How To Select A Topic Or Problem Statement For Thesis

In common, a research problem is a problematic circumstance that needs a solution and for that there are feasible solutions. If a situation has no possible solutions then it makes little or no sense expending resources researching it. The solution of a problem basically defines the problem statement. A statement like “I want to go to heaven but I do not want to die” is problematic statement but without the possible solution. In this statement the problem seems to be is dying. So conducting a thesis on this topic is completely senseless as it has not possible solution for living forever. A research problem can be portrayed as a disagreement between the two statements. In which one describes “what is” and the other defines “what should to be”. It might be also expressed as the gap between the current state and the required things or needs.

If you select a good problem statement that provides the base to your investigation then it can be a foundation of a successful thesis. A problem statement is itself is a descriptive sentences that explains an issue or problem that presently existing and which needs to be addressed. It is helpful in providing the background for the research study and engenders the questions to the research which he aims to answer by conducting the research. The statement of the problem of a thesis is actually the central idea or purpose of any research work. A good problem statement is just one sentence. For example the statement for the business student could be:

There are few things that need to be kept in mind while choosing a good problem statement. To begin with, just don’t get puzzled about what “a problem” actually is. Several students get the statement submit problems like “There are too many children dying of malnutrition in the Third World”. Undoubtedly it is a problem but it is not an investigative problem.

Secondly, as mentioned above, select the problem statement that has possible solution. You cannot conduct research on a statement that “why water is transparent or why the sky is blue”. The best way to know whether your esoteric problem is really original, take some time to review the bibliography or the previous studies.

While selecting the ideas brain storming is very important thing to exercise. While selecting the idea or main theme for the topic keep in mind the following questions and ask them from yourself:

Do you have a strong opinion on any current social, political, organizational or economic debate?

Did you read or see any news story recently that has annoyed your interest or made you irritated or concerned about it?

Do you have a personal issue in your work place, problem or interest that you would like to know more about it?

Do you have a research paper due for a class this semester?

Is there any phase of a class or learning course that you are interested in learning more about?

The next thing you should keep in mind is select the topic that is related to your field of specialization. Always select the topic in which you have interest and knowledge. Mostly instructors ask the students to select their own topic in which they are interested.

Problem or research statements frequently consist of three elements:

The problem itself

The method of solving the problem, often stated as a claim or a working thesis

The purpose, statement of objective and scope of the project being proposed.

For example: “Investigating the impact of fair performance compensation method on enhanced employee satisfaction”. This statement has cleared explained the problem that is performance compensation. The solution of is fair compensation method which has purpose of enhancing the employee satisfaction. All these things should be consider for selecting an impressive thesis topic.